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List of The Best Seed Starting Mixes Worth Buying in 2021

Starting seeds indoors is a wonderful and economical way to start your gardening since it allows you to prolong your growing season, grow different types of plants, and raise plants from seed rather than buying seedlings. If you're starting seeds indoors to get a head start on the gardening season this year, you'll need the Best Seed Starting Mixes in order for your garden plants to flourish well.

At Garden Products, our team of experts will give you the best recommendations for the product you are looking for. See how to buy the Best Seed Starting Mixes of 2021 here. We provide you with reviews and buying guides so that you can choose the ideal Seed Starting Mixes for your needs and budget.

Elissa Sanci
  Sep 27, 2023 11:53 PM
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Buying Guides

Organic vs. Inorganic

A branded "organic seed-starting mix" contains no chemicals or synthetic agents and that all of its components are natural. Although most seed-starting mixtures include the majority of natural ingredients, the use of synthetic fertilizers disqualifies them as organic. Those who grow food veggies, rather than flowers or aesthetic plants, may find that an organic seed-starting mix is more necessary.

Sterilization

Fungi and bacteria are removed from seed-starting mix by being heated to over 200 ℉ for an extended period of time, generally at least 30 minutes, to eliminate pathogens that may damage delicate seedlings. Heat may be applied by pumping steam through the material or immersing the mixture in water and heating the water. The sensitive seeds have the best chance of survival if the mixture is sterilized.

Aeration and Moisture Retention

Even when moist, a seed-starting mix should keep its lightness and loft. New roots require not just moisture but also oxygen in order to flourish. To aerate the mixture, manufacturers use perlite and vermiculite. Poor germination rates are common when seeds are started in dense or thick potting soil. Optimal seed-starting mixtures provide just enough moisture to keep the mixture wet to the touch while also providing adequate aeration for root growth.

pH Levels

The pH of a seed-starting mix described as "balanced pH" should be between 6.5 and 7. Because most seed-starting mixtures contain natural elements that are pH balanced, adjusting the pH level isn't always necessary. If the plant is cultivated hydroponically, pH monitoring is much more crucial (in water). pH regulating solutions, such as "pH UP" and "pH DOWN," are available to combine with the water in a hydroponic system to keep the pH level balanced.

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Last update on 2023-09-27 / Prices / Affiliate links / Images, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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